I am never hungry
Why Am I Not Hungry? Causes and Treatment
Hunger is the feeling that our bodies get when we’re running low on food and need to eat.
Under normal circumstances, hunger and appetite are regulated by a variety of mechanisms. In some cases, however, underlying causes can lead to abnormal appetite and hunger levels.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- what causes hunger
- why you may not feel hungry
- ways to increase your appetite
Hunger is the feeling or sensation of wanting to eat. When the body is running low on fuel, feelings of hunger and an appetite for food increase.
Hunger levels are regulated by:
- an area of the brain called the hypothalamus
- a drop in your blood sugar level
- an empty stomach and intestines
- an increase in certain “hunger” hormones
The hypothalamus of the brain plays an important role in hunger and appetite. In this area of the brain, a population of neurons regulates function dealing with appetite and the feeling of hunger.
These neurons produce or work in conjunction with certain hormones, such as neuropeptide Y (NPY), agouti-related peptide (AgRP), and ghrelin, to stimulate appetite.
Hunger can feel like a gnawing, empty feeling in your stomach and an increase in appetite.
If you become hungry enough, you may even notice that your stomach makes a grumbling noise. For some people, hunger can also be accompanied by:
- weakness
- light-headedness
- disorientation
- irritability
There are many reasons why you might not feel very hungry, even when your body needs to eat.
AnxietyWhen you experience anxiety, your fight-or-flight response kicks in and causes the central nervous system to release certain stress hormones. These stress hormones can slow down your digestion, hunger, and appetite.
People with anxiety disorders may also experience other long-term symptoms, such as nausea, that frequently interfere with normal feelings of hunger.
Depression can also lead to a long-term decrease in hunger and appetite signaling.
In one small research study, researchers investigated brain images of 16 participants with major depressive disorder who experienced appetite loss.
They found that in these participants, the area of the brain responsible for monitoring the physiological state of the body was less active than their healthy counterparts.
StressStress can cause physical symptoms, like nausea and indigestion, that interfere with your appetite or desire to eat.
In addition, research suggests that your appetite levels can be influenced differently based on the type of stress you experience.
For example, acute stress that activates the fight-or-flight response is more likely to lead to a sudden decrease in appetite and hunger.
IllnessCertain illnesses, like the common cold, seasonal flu, or a stomach virus, can cause a decrease in hunger levels.
Respiratory illnesses, in particular, can block your sense of smell and taste, which can make food seem unappetizing.
In addition, both the seasonal flu and stomach viruses can cause nausea, which tends to decrease your appetite.
PregnancyPregnancy can lead to a decrease in hunger, a loss of appetite, and possibly even food aversions.
Certain pregnancy symptoms, like nausea and heartburn, can make it difficult to sense true hunger levels. In addition, aversions to certain foods can have a negative effect on appetite and hunger.
Certain health conditionsThere are a handful of underlying health conditions that can cause you to feel less hungry. Some conditions like hypothyroidism cause the body’s metabolism to slow down, which can lead to a decrease in hunger.
Other conditions that may cause a decrease in appetite include:
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- heart failure
- certain cancers
Chronic pain
Chronic pain conditions that negatively affect your physical and mental health, like arthritis and fibromyalgia, can cause you to lose your appetite, as well.
This is also part of the reason why some people experience appetite loss during menstruation: The hormonal changes and pain can lead to a decreased appetite.
MedicationsSome medications can cause a loss of appetite as a side effect. These medications include:
- antibiotics
- antihypertensives
- diuretics
- sedatives
The decrease in hunger caused by these medications can be accompanied by other side effects that influence hunger levels, such as fatigue and nausea.
Some treatment procedures for certain diseases can also decrease your hunger levels.
One example of this is cancer treatments like radiation and chemotherapy, which are known to decrease appetite. Other procedures, such as peritoneal dialysis, have been shown to cause a loss of appetite as well.
AgeRoughly 15 to 30 percent of older people are estimated to experience age-related appetite decline. There are many reasons why hunger levels decrease with age, including:
- lower metabolism and energy needs
- lowered hormone response
- dampened senses of taste and smell
- reduced saliva production
- poor dental health
- acute and chronic illnesses
Mental health disorders, like anxiety and depression, can also affect appetite in older individuals.
In one cross-sectional study, researchers identified a link between appetite loss and poor cognitive performance in older people with major depression.
If you’ve been experiencing a loss of appetite and a decrease in hunger levels, here are some ways to stimulate your appetite.
- Make flavorful, delicious meals. If you’re having trouble sparking your appetite, cooking foods with herbs and spices can help you create flavorful meals you’ll enjoy looking forward to eating.
- Eat smaller meals with more calories. Instead of forcing yourself to eat huge meals, focus on eating smaller meals with more calories. For example, adding whole grains and heart-healthy fats to a meal can boost calories and keep you full for longer.
- Eat more of the foods you love. Sometimes the best thing you can do for your body when you have no appetite is to eat what you can in the moment. This may not always be a nutrient-dense meal, but not to worry.
You can focus on those foods once your appetite returns. - Focus on nutrient-dense foods. If possible, try to incorporate nutrient-dense foods, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, into your meals. This will help ensure that you’re meeting your nutrient needs with the foods you do have an appetite to eat.
- Learn to enjoy eating again. Eating is not just for fuel. Sometimes it’s also for enjoyment. When you learn how to enjoy eating again and build positive associations with the act of eating, this can help reignite your appetite for food.
- Set reminders to eat. With certain illnesses such as depression and anxiety, it can be easy to lose track of our basic needs. Setting a phone alarm for every few hours can help remind you that it’s time to eat a small snack or another meal.
If you notice that your lack of appetite is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, you should visit your doctor, as you may have an undiagnosed underlying condition:
- finding it difficult to swallow food
- not eating for long periods of time
- not being able to keep food down after eating
- any other symptoms that would indicate a more serious condition, such as pain when eating or food getting stuck in the throat
- unintentional weight loss
In most cases, your doctor will order some tests to determine if there’s an underlying cause for your lack of appetite.
If there is, your appetite will likely come back over time as you undertake a treatment plan for the underlying condition.
A lack of appetite and a decrease in hunger levels can be caused by a variety of physical or mental factors.
Mental health conditions, like anxiety, depression, and stress, can all have a negative effect on hunger levels.
Other physical conditions, such as pregnancy, hypothyroidism, and more, can also cause a decrease in appetite.
Sometimes even the medications and treatment procedures for certain health conditions can make you lose your appetite.
There are steps you can take to increase your appetite again, including eating smaller meals, cooking foods you enjoy, and setting meal reminders.
If none of these small changes help to improve your appetite or you notice other concerning symptoms, it’s time to visit a doctor to determine if something else is going on.
Why am I never hungry? Possible causes of a low appetite
Many factors influence appetite, including a person’s age, current medications, and underlying mental or physical health conditions.
Sometimes, the cause is temporary, such as a stomach virus. However, never being hungry may indicate a more long-term issue.
Appetite refers to how much or how often a person feels like eating. It is not always consistent with the amount of food or nutrients that a person really needs. Depending on the cause, a person may be able to boost their appetite by making changes to their diet or lifestyle.
In this article, we look at the possible reasons why a person may never feel hungry and the treatment options. We also provide tips on how people can improve their appetite.
If a person never feels hungry, they are experiencing a loss of appetite. This can occur for many reasons, and it may feel different depending on the root cause. A lack of appetite may present as:
- having no urge to eat
- feeling no sensation of hunger
- feeling nauseated at the thought of food
- bloating, pain, or other symptoms that make eating uncomfortable
If appetite loss causes someone to eat less food, they may also experience unintentional weight loss, tiredness, or nutritional deficiencies.
Many physical health conditions can affect appetite. These include short-term illnesses, such as a cold or the flu, which can temporarily decrease appetite. However, once these illnesses resolve, a person’s appetite usually returns to normal.
When a loss of appetite lasts longer, it can be a sign of an underlying condition. Some examples of chronic conditions that can cause appetite loss include:
- nutritional deficiencies, such as zinc deficiency
- digestive conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease
- an underactive thyroid, known as hypothyroidism
- other endocrine disorders, such as Addison’s disease and Cushing’s syndrome
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- hepatitis
- HIV
- chronic liver disease
- chronic kidney disease
- heart failure
- certain types of cancer, such as colon, ovarian, stomach, or pancreatic cancer
Pregnancy can also cause a loss of appetite due to hormonal changes, morning sickness, or pressure in the abdominal cavity.
A person’s mental and emotional health can also affect appetite. For example, some people may lose their appetite when they feel stressed. If stress occurs frequently or becomes chronic, these individuals may often have a low appetite. However, a 2018 study notes that chronic stress is typically more associated with overeating than undereating, particularly if high calorie foods are readily available.
Grief, sadness, and other emotions can decrease appetite, too. Several mental health conditions can also have this effect, including:
- anxiety disorders
- depression
- eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia
- substance use disorders
In the case of a substance use disorder, either a specific drug, such as cocaine, or disruption to a person’s eating habits can cause a loss of appetite.
A wide variety of medications can alter a person’s appetite. They may reduce feelings of hunger, change a person’s sense of smell or taste, or cause nausea.
Any of these side effects could reduce a person’s interest in food.
Some medications and medical treatments that could have this effect include:
- antibiotics
- strong pain relievers, such as codeine and morphine
- antidepressants
- sedatives
- certain thyroid hormone medications
- chemotherapy
- immunotherapy
- radiation therapy
A person’s appetite can change with age. A reduced appetite is especially common among older adults, especially those who are female, reside in a nursing home, or are staying in the hospital.
Aging can affect appetite in various ways, including:
- Physiological changes: These include age-related changes in hormones, the digestive system, and the senses, such as smell or taste. Older adults are also more likely to have chronic illnesses that may affect their appetite.
- Psychosocial factors: Older people who are lonely may have a lower appetite.
Mental health conditions, such as depression, can also play a role. - Pharmacological factors: Many older adults take medications that can decrease appetite.
If a person’s loss of appetite has a specific underlying cause, addressing it may improve this symptom. This may mean seeking medical treatment for physical health conditions, seeing a therapist or counselor, or speaking with a doctor about adjusting the type or dosage of a current medication.
People can also take steps to stimulate their appetite at home, including those below.
However, anyone who experiences a persistent loss of appetite should consider contacting their doctor as the first step.
Eating habits
Some people may find it helpful to eat at regular times each day. If larger meals feel like too much, they can try eating smaller meals more frequently. This approach can help a person get enough calories and nutrients, even if they do not feel hungry.
Other ways to boost appetite include:
- Eating with friends: An older 2006 study found that people tended to eat more when they were eating with friends than when they were eating alone.
Distractions can also take a person’s mind off what they are eating, which may help if someone feels nauseated. - Eating enjoyable foods: Varied and tasty meals can stimulate a person’s interest in eating. People can try new recipes or return to old favorites. However, it is important to strike a balance between foods that are enjoyable and foods that are nutritious, if these do not overlap.
- Eating less fiber: While fiber has many health benefits, a high fiber diet is associated with appetite and weight loss due to its ability to help people feel fuller for longer. If someone eats a lot of fiber, reducing certain types of this nutrient may help them feel hungrier.
If eating enough is a struggle, people can try focusing on healthy, calorie-dense foods, such as avocado, sweet potato, nuts and nut butters, and olive oil.
Lifestyle changes
A person may be able to boost their appetite by making simple changes to their routine.
These could include:
- A regular sleep schedule: The body’s circadian rhythm dictates when someone feels sleepy or awake. However, circadian rhythm also regulates appetite. People who have irregular sleep schedules may find that this affects when they feel hungry. Where possible, it is advisable to try to go to sleep and wake up at similar times each day.
- Getting moderate exercise: Studies on the effects of exercise on appetite have had mixed results. However, some people find that moderate exercise stimulates their appetite.
- Staying cool: Exposure to heat can decrease appetite and food intake. This may occur during certain seasons, in hot climates, or during exercise. If heat could be a factor, a person can try to stay cool by drinking cold liquids, wearing lightweight and breathable clothes, and staying in the shade or in rooms with air conditioning.
Supplements
If a person has a nutritional deficiency, getting more of that nutrient in their diet or taking a supplement may improve their appetite.
For example, a person with a zinc deficiency could try taking zinc.
Fish oil may also help stimulate appetite. A 2013 randomized controlled trial found that after 3 weeks of taking fish oil, participants experienced a 20% reduction in feeling full after meals. The female participants also had an increased desire to eat.
It is important to speak with a doctor about a persistent disinterest in food, especially if it is making it difficult to eat enough. It is also important to mention any other new or unexplained symptoms, such as:
- feeling full quickly after eating
- nausea
- bloating and indigestion
- diarrhea or constipation
- stomach pain
- dark urine
- blood in the stool
- significant or unintentional weight loss
A doctor can diagnose the underlying cause. If appropriate, they may also be able to prescribe appetite-stimulating drugs.
A person should not stop or change their dosage of any existing prescription medications that may be affecting their appetite without consulting a doctor first.
There are many possible causes of never feeling hungry. Short-term illnesses or medications may cause a temporary loss of appetite, while chronic physical or mental health conditions may cause longer lasting disruption.
Seeking help and support from a doctor is the first step in addressing any underlying conditions that may be affecting someone’s interest in food. People can also adjust their eating habits and lifestyle to try to stimulate their appetite. However, this is not a substitute for medical care.
Cheat codes GTA: San Andreas | GTA RiotPixels
Enter these codes right during the game, just keep in mind that some of them cannot be turned off and often such permanent codes “lock up” saved games. Correct operation of cheats is not guaranteed in pirated and homemade localized versions of the game.
Weapons, health, armor and money
| Code | Result |
|---|---|
| THUGSARMOURY | Gangster weapon set |
| PROFESSIONALSKIT | Professional murder weapons |
| NUTTERSTOYS | All the weapons for a real psycho |
| INEEDSOMEHELP | Replenishes health and armor, and 250,000 USD is credited to your account |
| NOONECANHURTME | Immortality from bullets and grenades |
| MANFROMATLANTIS | Karl does not pump oxygen underwater |
| IAMNEVERHUNGRY | Carl is never hungry |
| FULLCLIP | Infinite ammo, no reloads |
Police, characteristics and gangs
| Code | Result |
|---|---|
| TURNUPTHEHEAT | Add two wanted stars |
| TURNDOWNTHEHEAT | Remove all wanted stars |
| BRINGITON | Get six wanted stars |
| IDOASIPLEASE | Do what you want - the police don't care |
| WHOATEALLTHEPIES | Carl gets fat |
| LEANANDMEAN | . ..thin |
| BUFFMEUP | …bounce |
| WORSHIPME | Maximum Respect |
| HELLOLADIES | Maximum attractiveness |
| ICANGOALLNIGHT | Maximum Endurance |
| PROFESSIONALKILLER | Proficiency with all weapons at Hitman level |
| NATURALTALENT | Improved ownership of all types of vehicles |
Vehicles
| Code | Result |
|---|---|
| A free Rhino tank is falling from the sky! | |
| OLDSPEEDDEMON | …old race car Bloodring Banger |
| JQNTDMH | Jeep Rancher |
| NOTFORPUBLICROADS | Hotring Racer A |
| JUSTTRYANDSTOPME | Hotring Racer B |
| WHERESTHEFUNERAL | ... Romero grave car |
| CELEBRITYSTATUS | Stretch limousine |
| TRUEGRIME | . ..garbage truck Trashmaster |
| 18HOLES | ...golf machine Caddy |
| JUMPJET | ... Hydra fighter |
| IWANTTOHOVER | ... Vortex hovercraft |
| OHDUDE | ... military helicopter Hunter |
| FOURWHEELFUN | … Quad |
| HITTHEROADJACK | ... tractor with trailer Tanker |
| ITSALLBULL | ... dozer Dozer |
| FLYINGTOSTUNT | Stuntplane |
| MONSTERMASH | ...bigfoot Monster |
| LETSGOBASEJUMPING | Get parachute |
| ROCKETMAN | Get jetpack |
State Streets
| Code | Result |
|---|---|
| ALLCARSGOBOOM | Blow up nearby cars |
| WHEELSONLYPLEASE | Keep only wheels from cars |
| STICKLIKEGLUE | Cars turn sharply |
| DONTTRYANDSTOPME | Traffic lights are always green |
| ALLDRIVERSARECRIMINALS | Crazy drivers |
| PINKISTHENEWCOOL | City traffic turns pink |
| SOLONGASITSBLACK | …black |
| FLYINGFISH | Flying boats |
| CHITTYCHITTYBANGGBANG | …machines |
| EVERYONEISPOOR | Cheap cars drive through the streets |
| EVERYONEISRICH | Expensive cars drive along the streets |
| Cars explode on impact | |
| BUBBLECARS | Cars take off on impact |
| SPEEDFREAK | All cars have nitro |
| IWANNADRIVEBY | Karl can shoot while driving |
| GHOSTTOWN | There are few cars on the streets |
| HICKSVILLE | Countryside cars drive in the city, Carl dressed up as a farmer |
Game process
| Code | Result |
|---|---|
| SPEEDITUP | Speed up gameplay |
| SLOWITDOWN | Slow down gameplay |
| ROUGHNEIGHBOURHOOD | Pedestrians attack each other |
| STOPPICKINGONME | Everyone Hates Carl |
| SURROUNDEDBYNUTTERS | All armed |
| BLUESUEDESHOES | The streets are full of Elvises |
| TAKEACHILLPILL | Adrenaline mode, slow game speed |
| GOODBYECRUELWORLD | Commit suicide |
| BETTERSTAYINDOORS | State residents trying to kill Carl, some armed with grenade launchers |
| LIFESABEACH | Sunny weather, CJ is going to the beach |
| ONLYHOMIESALLOWED | Gangs control the streets |
| NINJATOWN | Black vehicles drive along the streets and Asians with katanas walk |
| LOVECONQUERSALL | Prostitutes love Karl |
| CJPHONEHOME | Bicycle High Jump |
| KANGAROO | CJ jumps high |
| STATEOFEMERGENCY | State Madness |
| CRAZYTOWN | The city is full of clowns and fast food vendors |
| WANNABEINMYGANG | Take anyone in your gang (weapon - pistol) |
| NOONECANSTOPUS | Take anyone in your gang (weapon - AK-47) |
| ROCKETMAYHEM | Take anyone to your gang (weapon - RPG) |
Weather and time
| Code | Result |
|---|---|
| PLEASANTLYWARM | Fair weather |
| TOODAMNHOT | Sunny weather, heat |
| DULLDULLDAY | Cloudy weather |
| STAYINANDWATCHTV | Rainy weather |
| CANTSEEWHEREIMGOING | Heavy fog |
| SCOTTISHSUMMER | Rainy weather, thunderstorm |
| SANDINMYEARS | Sandstorm |
| Speed up time | |
| NIGHTPROWLER | Stop clock at midnight |
| DONTBRINGONTHENIGHT | Stop the clock at 21:00 |
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“Mourinho used to be hungry to win, but now he's full.
The Jose I knew was different” Photo: © Adam Davy - EMPICS / Contributor / PA Images / Gettyimages.ru
Former Russian football player Alexei Smertin spoke about his move to Chelsea.
- There was a five-year contract with Bordeaux. The move to Chelsea was due to the fact that everything worked out for me in France. I liked everything, everything worked out. I thought it couldn't be like this anymore. The process of stagnation has begun. I went to training not with burning eyes. Then there was a project of the Moscow "Torpedo". I wanted to win the Russian championship with them. There were great players there. I passed the medical examination, terminated the contract with Bordeaux, but the deal did not take place. I was left without a club. Panic? She wasn't there.
I don't know who agreed with whom, but I moved to Chelsea. Then it seemed to me that I would never be able to play in the club. I signed a contract, met Ranieri. But I went there on the condition that I first go to Portsmouth to get match practice.When I arrived there, I realized that I definitely wouldn’t be able to play their football. They just cut there. It was not possible to make 2-3 touches.
I remember how Portsmouth won against Leicester, and I thought that this was not a match, but a millstone. But I have proven myself well. Redknapp did not want to let me go, he even wanted to make me a captain. Then Mourinho came to Chelsea. We talked with him on Abramovich's yacht. When I ended up in the Premier League, I thought that this was not happening to me.
When Mourinho took over Tottenham, it seemed to me that he would not succeed. He is very demanding and conceited. He had a hunger for victory that Ronaldo and Messi have. But Jose was already satisfied. The Mourinho I knew was different. At the first meeting, he said that we have a good team, but we didn’t win anything, that trophies and a footprint in history are most important, and money is little things that mean nothing,” Smertin said live on the Instagram * account “Match TV.
